Sector Changes for New LO Role?

Is it common to switch sectors when moving from SS ER to the first LO AM position? I have seen many LO analysts switch to a completely new sector with little overlap once they are on the job. If that is a widely accepted practice, then is switching from sellside to buyside in a different sector also acceptable?

2 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content:

  • Sector Switching in LO Roles: It is not uncommon for LO analysts to switch to a completely new sector with little overlap once they are on the job. Many buy-side places cover various sectors even if you are not technically a generalist.

  • Switching from SS to BS in Different Sectors: Switching from sell-side to buy-side in a different sector is also acceptable. There are plenty of people who have done one sector for 3+ years and then changed sectors successfully.

  • Quality of Research: The quality of research is becoming increasingly important, and there is a trend towards brokers who add substantial value. This shift is making it easier for those with strong research skills to transition between sectors and roles.

In summary, both switching sectors within LO roles and moving from SS to BS in a different sector are widely accepted practices.

Sources: Q&A: 3rd year ER analyst, Q&A: 3rd year ER analyst, Crazy to take MM offer if lead analyst in ER?, Choosing Between Buy Side vs Sell Side in Equity Research?, Overview of the Equity research Industry

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Excepturi consequatur itaque voluptatem tenetur nulla sit tempore. Architecto assumenda rerum velit laudantium officiis et. Suscipit quis est autem.

Nostrum eum soluta nostrum quas reiciendis. Molestiae dicta voluptate blanditiis saepe vero. Fugit commodi beatae ut dolores expedita. Quisquam qui voluptatem consequatur.

Porro a dolorem iste architecto nam doloribus. Harum dolorem est hic reprehenderit. Velit iste explicabo laudantium error sit. Qui enim libero eius consequatur in odit hic.

Illum facere et aperiam laudantium perferendis ea. Eius quia dicta quisquam consequatur porro. Repellat adipisci eligendi nihil similique veniam optio.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (55) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”